Chapter 792: A Talk With Lillian

A group of people approached, Lillian's face growing clearer with each step. Hannah had seen her on television, but she looked younger in person, possessing the charisma of a noble princess surrounded by her guards. She looked magnificent and moved swiftly.

Lillian passed Hannah without seeming to recognize her. Hannah smiled, lowered her gaze, and continued along the corridor. Having spent days in bed, she craved fresh air. She slowly walked into the garden, sat on a bench, and basked in the spring sunshine. The Kensbury City weather was typical; warm in the sun, but chilly in the shade.

"It's breezy, Ms. Cooper. Would you like a blanket?" Max asked, holding a pink blanket.

Hannah shook her head. Max silently offered her a glass of water instead. She didn't eat, but sipped water occasionally. After some time sunbathing, the weather turned, the sun disappearing behind clouds. Hannah sneezed in the cool breeze.

Max immediately draped the pink blanket over her shoulders. "Ms. Cooper, shall we return to the ward? You look weak. Be careful not to catch cold."

Hannah glanced at Max. She felt the chill. Her actions against Oscar stemmed from a desire for complete estrangement, not a death wish. She nodded, stood, and felt a sudden dizziness. Max quickly steadied her. Hannah smiled, a sight that broke Max's heart—witnessing her resilience through such hardship.

They started back towards the ward. While it took others five minutes, it took Hannah fifteen. She paused, noticing Lillian in Oscar's ward. Theodore and Manuel were absent; perhaps in her room, or perhaps they'd left to give them privacy. Hannah peeked inside and saw Lillian tending to Oscar's hand, gently cleaning and blowing on the wound. Max sighed. As he attempted to guide Hannah away, he realized she had already slipped away, seemingly unmoved by the scene.

Nurses arrived to administer Hannah's IV shortly after her return to her ward. Guards moved to restrain her.

"No need. I won't struggle," Hannah said.

Why suffer further, knowing she couldn't change anything? The guards exchanged glances, unsure what to do. Max ordered them to stand back, and they obeyed instantly.

The nurse prepared the IV. Hannah disliked the reusable needle, preferring a fresh one each time. Her hands were marred by numerous needle pricks and bruises, making them unsightly. The nurse searched diligently for a suitable vein. Hannah's days without food had left her veins too small for easy access.

"Ms. Cooper, may we use the remaining needle? I fear further venipuncture may be difficult," the nurse asked.

This was exactly what Hannah wanted. "No. The used needle makes me uncomfortable," she replied.

The nurse was torn. Finding a vein today proved challenging, let alone in the coming days. Yet, she had to comply and use a new needle. After a lengthy search, she located a suitable vein, but it was so fragile that it broke under the needle. The nurse, frightened, profusely apologized.

"It's okay," Hannah said lightly.

The nurse was distressed, not only by her failure to administer the IV but also by the prospect of future attempts. She gripped Hannah's hand, continuing her search.

"Never mind. Keep trying," Hannah said calmly.

The nurse trembled with fear.

Max, unable to bear the sight, said, "Go get another nurse!"

"Yes, sir," the nurse replied, quickly returning with several colleagues. A young woman stood silently at the doorway, observing Hannah.

They took turns attempting the IV, finally succeeding on the fourth attempt. By then, Hannah's hand was swollen. The nurse sighed in relief, secured the drip, and repeatedly cautioned, "Ms. Cooper, your veins are fragile. Remain still and let us know if you feel unwell."

Hannah desired minimal attention, content with Max and the guards' presence. She dismissed the medical staff.

"Okay," Hannah said.

Lillian entered after the nurses left. Max, uncertain how to proceed, was preempted.

"Hi, Max," Lillian greeted.

"How do you do, Madam," Max replied respectfully.

"I want to speak with Hannah," Lillian smiled.

Max glanced at Hannah, recalling Oscar's instructions to remain with her constantly.

"It's alright, Max. Leave us," Hannah said. "I have something to tell Mrs. Wells as well."

Max reluctantly departed, leaving them and the guards in the ward.

Lillian saw the bruises on Hannah's hands and stared. "Goodness! I didn't recognize you in the corridor."

Hannah smiled faintly, remaining silent. Sometimes, observation was best.

"You look different. I've seen you on the news and read reports about you. They said you were the prettiest woman in Northfield. I saw you on TV and thought you were gorgeous. You're stunning! Breathtaking! A perfect ten! No wonder Oscar loves you so much."